How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
by Orson Scott Card
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Book Summary Information
Author: Orson Scott CardEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-09-15
ISBN: 158297103X
Number of pages: 140
Publisher: Writers Digest Books
Book Reviews of How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Review: Great resource for aspiring writers
Summary: 5 Stars
"How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card is an instruction book on the best ways to write science fiction and fantasy. In this book Card explains the difference between science fiction and fantasy, why the difference is, and the various sub-genres of science fiction and fantasy. He also goes into the details of world creation and why it is necessary for a believable story. Card covers how to develop and structure a good story and how ideas evolve as the story goes on. Finally, he covers resources available to aspiring writers.
Science fiction and fantasy are two related, but different genres. The core differences are as Card stated, "A rustic setting suggests fantasy; to suggest science fiction, you need sheet metal and plastic." Card explains that science fiction is generally defined as "If the universe it is set in follows the same rules as ours." Fantasy, on the other hand, is defined as "A universe that doesn't follow our rules." According to Card, it is important to understand the difference between the two. For example, when submitting stories to markets, if one submits a fantasy story to a science fiction market, it will be rejected, but the editor may not tell you the reason. This is also true of markets that deal in specific sub-genres of fantasy and science fiction.
Card argues that effective world creation is necessary for a believable story. An explainable world helps set up the tone of a story. It gives the reader context about how the setting may affect the choices of the characters. If you have a world with definable rules, your reader will be more willing to allow the science they know to be bent and changed.
In covering how to develop and structure a good story, Card stated, "The first thing you should learn...is that no two stories are developed in exactly the same way. ...Good stories don't come from trying to write a story the moment I think of the first idea." Ideas evolve while the story develops. Stories are like people. As people go throughout life, they grow and change. It is the same with stories. Stories grow as new ideas and concepts work their way into them.
The last section of this great resource is information on some good places to get help with writing stories and where to send stories that are ready to be published. It also goes into what the life of a full-time author can be like. Card gives clear, concise ideas and advice about writing science fiction and fantasy with examples from both his work and the work of other, well-known authors. Over all, this book is a guide and resource to help the beginning authors improve their writing.
I am an aspiring writer and I am currently working on a story. This book has helped me to strengthen my abilities to visualize a story and write it. One aspect of this book that I found particularly helpful was the World Creation section. In past stories, I had not focused as much on the world as I had on the characters in the world. This section of How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy helped me to understand the importance of the world and the science or magic that makes that world work. In my project, I have found that by focusing on this one aspect, my story has become richer and more interesting.
One suggestion I would make is that when you do read this book; give yourself time to read an entire section. If you leave off in the middle of a section, it may take a little back reading to remember exactly what point Card is making. His instructions in this book are both challenging and encouraging. I would highly suggest this great book to any aspiring author.
Summary of How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
This award-winning classic on the art and craft of writing science fiction and fantasy provides invaluable advice for every science fiction and fantasy writer interested in constructing stories about people, worlds and events that stretch the boundaries of the possible - and the magical. They'll learn:. What is and isn't science fiction and fantasy, and where their story fits in the mix. How to build, populate, and dramatize a credible, inviting world readers will want to explore. Where the markets are, how to reach them and get published There's no better source of information for writers working in these genres.Literature & Fiction Books
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